I will have to think about trying that. I think with a little more weight, it will be steadier to hold too, although the extra 1/2 lb may be something you could take out when heading to the mountains. The original stock was also too short for me, so I got a "slip-on" Limbsaver recoil pad. Not only does it take the sting out of the recoil very nicely, but it adds just enough length to make it more comfortable for me. Also, the 8 oz that you added will help lower felt recoil too. One final bonus: it should lower the "hollow" sound the stock has when you hit it on something.